ILOILO City – Mayor Raisa Treñas pressed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to transfer former Iloilo City District Engineering Office (ICDEO) officer-in-charge Engr. Roy Pacanan outside Western Visayas, arguing that his reassignment within Region 6 falls short of delivering real accountability and restoring public trust.
DPWH secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon issued a January 30, 2026 memorandum reassigning Pacanan to the Office of the Director of DPWH Regional Office 6, citing his failure to meet the required supervisory experience for the post of district engineer.
In the memorandum, Dizon invoked Section 13(c) of the 2025 Omnibus Rules on Appointments and Other Human Resource Actions (ORAHRA), noting that Pacanan “has not met the prescribed five (5) years of supervisory experience” required for designation as District Engineer.
“In view of the requirements for designation to the position of District Engineer… you are hereby reassigned to the Office of the Director, Regional Office VI, effective immediately,” the order read.
Treñas acknowledged the move but maintained it was insufficient.
“We acknowledge and appreciate the action taken by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon in issuing a reassignment order… and for that, we say salamat gid,” she said in a statement.
However, she raised concern over Pacanan’s continued assignment within the same region where the issues allegedly occurred.
“Ang iya nga reassignment within the same region… is deeply concerning. Diri pa gihapon sa Region 6, where the issues happened kag sa opisina pa gid nga may direct influence and authority. This does not fully address the public’s concern,” Treñas said.
The mayor stressed that “for matuod nga accountability kag restoration of public trust,” Pacanan should be reassigned to another DPWH regional office outside Region 6.
She also urged the department to “immediately designate a qualified and competent head” for the Iloilo City District Engineering Office to stabilize operations and restore confidence in the agency./PN
